What is osteopathy?
In May 2000, osteopaths became the first complementary practitioners to become regulated by Government statute in the same way as orthodox medical practitioners. This means that they must be registered with the General Osteopathic Council, have completed a recognised training and have indemnity insurance.
With 5 million patients a year, osteopathy is the most popular form of complementary medicine and is growing in prestige. Since the passing of the Osteopathy Act in 1993, the profession has elevated considerably in status and is now recognised to be part of mainstream healthcare, enjoying a closer working relationship with the medical profession.
Registered Osteopaths have an extensive four year training, including Anatomy Physiology Medicine and Pathology of the human body. They also have 2,000 hours of clinical training in diagnosis and the treatment of patients.
Osteopathy is an established, recognised system of diagnosis and treatment that lays its main emphasis on the structural integrity of the body. It is distinctive in the fact that it recognises much of the pain and disability we suffer stems from abnormalities in the function of the body structure as well as damage caused by disease.
Osteopathy uses many of the diagnostic procedures involved in conventional medical assessment and diagnosis. Its main strength, however, lies in the unique way the patient is assessed from a mechanical, functional and postural standpoint taking into account all aspects of the individuals life.
Osteopathy is a natural form of treatment using only the hands to alleviate the body of mainly musculo-skeletal aches and pains. The use of soft tissue and manipulation techniques administered to the muscles, tendons, ligaments and joints of the body aim to achieve a balance of tension, mobility and symmetry in the body, even aiding improved blood flow and lymphatic
drainage, promoting natural healing without the use of drugs.
Cranial Osteopathy is a very popular gentle form of osteopathy that concentrates on the head to help treat colic and glue ear in infants and babies, it can also be used in adults to treat headaches, migraines, sinus and other problems.
Osteopathy can treat...
....... a surprising range of problems and can be useful for all ages from babies to the elderly,and even during pregnancy.
headaches, sinusitis, neck ache, 'frozen' or stiff shoulders, 'tennis elbow' and arm pain, back pain, disc problems, aches and pains in pregnancy, hip, thigh and knee problems, calf and shin problems, tinitus, jaw problems, whiplash injuries, asthma, breathing problems, digestive problems, wrist pain, pelvic pain, arthritic pain and stiffness, foot problems. glue ear, colic and behavioural problems in children and babies.
What to wear
Due to the physical nature of the treatment it would be useful to wear something loose fitting, such as a track suit or t-shirt and shorts. Some osteopaths prefer the patient to wear modest underwear to help observe the spine.
Osteopathic registration
'Promoting Excellence in Osteopathic Care'
At all times, Osteopaths registered with the General Osteopathic Council must follow high standards of professional conduct and behaviour and will commit to a programme of continuing professional development.
For the last sixty years, osteopaths have worked within a system of voluntary regulation that set standards of training and practice. In 1993, under the Osteopaths Act, osteopathy became the first complementary health care profession to be accorded statutory recognition. The Osteopathic Council (GOsC) has been set up, which opened its statutory register of osteopaths in May 1998.
The GOsC is now responsible for regulating the osteopathic profession in the UK and also for promoting and developing osteopathy. It has been given powers by parliament to set standards of education and conduct and to maintain a register of those entitled to practice osteopathy.
Treatment
On arrival at the West Malling / Kings hill practice you will be greeted by the friendly receptionists and asked to be seated or promptly received by me and shown into the treatment room, you will not be left waiting for long.
A case history will be taken to glean as much information as possible regarding your problem and previous relevant history. It may also be necessary to liaise with your gp, specialist or complimentary health practitioner. Xrays, scans and other information you have may be of
use at this stage.
It may be necessary to remove some items of clothing in order to perform a non-invasive examination to identify the cause of your symptoms and formulate a treatment plan, or even suggest referral for further tests or specialist examination /opinion.
All details of your case, examination and treatment will be explained fully and clearly to you, as well as giving advice on exercises, rest, hot & cold packing and other beneficial information which will help assist your recovery.
Treatment will usually last around thirty minutes, sometimes more, or less, depending on the nature of the problem. Osteopathic treatment itself involves a series of movements to correct structural abnormalities, this includes massage to relax stiff muscles, stretching to help joint mobility, and manipulation and high-velocity thrust techniques which can restore easy movement to the body. Using these techniques, I will endeavour to remove the abnormalities and thus re-establish the normal functioning of the body's activities. You may well feel or hear a click with some of the techniques, this will not hurt, in fact this is a good sign.
Following treatment it is usual to feel a degree of soreness, this is normal and signifies the bodies natural reaction to the treatment, this should only last for a short time. If concerned then please ring for further advice.
Depending on the nature and duration of your problem, you may need several sessions of therapy. Some conditions can be dealt with in just a few sessions, other more complex cases will take longer, each case is unique and will be addressed on its individual merit.
Acupuncture
What is it?
Acupuncture is a treatment that involves piercing the skin with extremely fine needles. It is used to relieve symptoms of some physical and psychological conditions and may encourage the body’s ability to heal itself. It has been used in
China for over two thousand years, and has increasingly been used in the West since the 1970s.
Over the past thirty years there has been considerable scientific research into acupuncture, and we are now beginning to understand how it works. We can be sure that the effects of acupuncture are not all in the mind. It’s increasingly being used alongside conventional medicine.
The distinction between complementary, or alternative, medicine and orthodox medicine is becoming blurred as the benefits of acupuncture become accepted by conventional doctors. Acupuncture is used in the vast majority of NHS pain clinics and is being offered by an ever increasing number of GPs and hospital doctors.
What conditions can be treated?
Acupuncture is particularly effective in treating painful conditions, but its uses are by no means limited to these. Acupuncture can be especially helpful in the following conditions:
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Muscle pain
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Strains and sprains
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Headaches and migraine
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Neck and shoulder pain
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Back pain
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Tennis elbow
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Frozen shoulder
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Sports injuries
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Repetitive strain injury (RSI)
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Rheumatic and arthritic pains
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Insomnia
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Nausea (including early morning sickness of pregnancy)
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Period pains
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Menopausal hot flushes
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Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
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Bladder problems such as overactive bladder or mild incontinence
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Allergies, such as hay fever and urticaria
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As an aid to stopping smoking
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Sinus problems and catarrh
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Infertility
Very large claims have been made for acupuncture in the past that cannot be substantiated. It is not a panacea for all ills, but used appropriately, acupuncture can be an extremely effective treatment.
How does it work?
Acupuncture stimulates the nerves in the skin and muscle and can produce a wide variety of effects. We know that it increases the body’s release of natural painkillers – endorphins and enkephalins – and it is widely used to relieve pain. Acupuncture also increases the levels of serotonin, a hormone associated with mood and emotional health.
It is no coincidence that patients often notice an improved sense of wellbeing after treatment.
Modern research has found that acupuncture can affect most of the body’s systems: the nervous system, muscle tone, hormone outputs, circulation, antibody production and allergic responses, as well as the respiratory, digestive, urinary and reproductive systems. Traditional Chinese theory believes that there are channels – or meridians – running all over the body though which energy – or qi (pronounced chee) – runs. When these channels become blocked, the energy fails to travel smoothly around the body and illness ensues. Modern science has been unable to detect evidence of these channels; nevertheless, inserting acupuncture needles into traditional points along the meridians can have a profound effect.
A small number of people appear not to respond to acupuncture; if there is no improvement after six treatments, it is unlikely that further treatments will help.
What can I expect from treatment?
Each patient’s case will be assessed, and treatment is tailored to the individual. The first consultation will take a little longer as this will include a more detailed history and examination. Very fine acupuncture needles are then inserted into the body. Sometimes the needles are only left in for a few seconds, but 10 to 20 minutes is a more usual treatment length. The first treatment is likely to be on the shorter side, using perhaps only a few needles, so that the initial response to acupuncture can be gauged.
The number of needles used varies greatly, but can be any number from 2 or 3 up to around 12. They may be inserted anywhere in the body depending on the condition being treated.
How many treatments are needed?
This varies greatly; a condition that has been present for many years is likely to need many more treatments than a problem that has only recently started, which may only require one or two treatments. A typical course might include 6-8 treatments at weekly intervals, though the length of time between treatments may be extended as the treatment progresses. A longer course of treatment may be necessary for particularly persistent or difficult problems.
Does it hurt?
Having an acupuncture treatment is rarely painful. However, it is common to feel a sensation that the Chinese describe as ‘de qi’ (pronounced duh-chee); this may be experienced as a tingling, numbness, warmth, dull ache or heaviness. The occurrence of ‘de qi’ is considered to be a good sign, indicating that there is a response to the needling.
Acupuncture can occasionally be painful, especially if tender trigger points (‘knots’) in muscle are being needled; however, this is invariably far less uncomfortable than the pain for which treatment is being sought.
What will I feel after a treatment?
Often there will be an immediate improvement in symptoms, but this may be short-lived, especially after the initial treatments. It is important to remember that the effects of acupuncture are cumulative. The benefits should last longer as the course of treatment progresses. Occasionally, symptoms get worse after treatment; this is known as an aggravation and rarely lasts more than 24 hours; this is usually followed by an improvement.
Who benefits?
Most people will benefit from acupuncture, though there are a small number, possibly up to 10%, who appear not to respond at all. Acupuncture works though the nervous system, and it seems that people who are extra sensitive to such things as music and emotion may respond particularly well. Similarly, those people who are especially aware of their own body or sensitive to medicines or food may also react more strongly to acupuncture. It probably goes without saying that acupuncture is not suitable for people with a phobia of needles.
Is it safe?
Acupuncture is extremely safe, provided it is being given by an experienced and appropriately trained practitioner. The most common side-effect is a temporary worsening of the condition being treated, though this is usually then followed by an improvement. Very light bleeding may occur on withdrawal of the needle, though immediate pressure prevents this from causing a bruise. Sterile, single-use needles should always be used in acupuncture; this prevents any risk of transmitting an infection from one patient to the next. Serious side-effects are extremely rare, especially when administered by an experienced acupuncturist. Acupuncture is far less likely to produce side-effects than most prescription medicines.
What is Facial
Rejuvenation/Cosmetic Acupuncture?
Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture is a painless, non-surgical approach that increases collagen, eliminates lines, tones & lifts the face & reduces dark eye circles.
The needles used are much smaller (intradermal) than normal acupuncture needles and are painless to administer. It is usual to have a course of acupuncture to best benefit from this approach to looking younger.
Though Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture can sometimes be referred to as an 'Acupuncture Facelift', it's so much more! This truly helps revitalize the whole body, making you look and feel younger.
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